Amid escalating attacks on press freedom in the U.S., PEN America’s digital safety team crisscrossed the country in 2025 to talk about journalist safety. From the high desert of Albuquerque to the jazz capital of New Orleans, we offered resources, training and support at 12 conferences reaching nearly 500 journalists — about half of the 1,100+ writers we reached in the U.S. with our safety programming this year.
The need for more conversations about safety comes as journalists navigate an increasingly hostile political landscape, both online and off. According to a 2024 report from the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), an estimated 30 percent of U.S. journalists reported facing digital violence, from abusive comments to death threats, because of their work during the 2024 election cycle. In response, some journalists censor themselves —changing their beat, altering coverage or engaging less with online audiences — while others leave the industry entirely.
That’s why we joined forces with our press freedom partners in the U.S. Journalist Assistance Network to travel the country listening to journalists’ needs and offering guidance and resources. Throughout the year, journalists told us about their fear of being doxed or physically attacked for their reporting, about an increase in hateful speech based on perceived immigration status, and about a lack of support in their newsroom when they faced online abuse.
As the 2025 conference season comes to a close, we’re sharing three lessons we learned about protecting journalists, building resilience and cultivating community in the wake of online harassment and threats.
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